Working Through Cancer: Exercise as a Part of Recovery
Hey guys, if you’re working through cancer and thinking about how exercise as a part of recovery could actually help you bounce back stronger, stick around. I’m Joshua Van, the guy behind Dad Bod 40, where we chat about all the real-deal stuff for men over 40 from smarter eating habits to workouts that fit our busy lives and supplements that aren’t just hype. Working through cancer sucks, no two ways about it, but slipping in some exercise as a part of recovery? Man, it can turn things around in ways you might not expect.
Here at Dad Bod 40, we keep it straightforward for dudes like us hitting our stride past 40. Cancer doesn’t play favorites prostate, colon, lung, it creeps up more in our bracket. But the fresh scoop from this year’s research? Getting moving isn’t some side note; it’s front and center for feeling better and sticking around longer. I’ve been digging into the latest from places like the American Cancer Society and big studies out this summer, and yeah, regular activity can knock down your chances of the cancer coming back while pumping up your day-to-day vibe. Let’s unpack this so you can start small and build from there.
Key Takeaways
- Cuts down on cancer coming back: That big 2025 colon cancer study showed structured workouts after chemo slashed recurrence risks by about a third for some folks.
- Lifts your spirits and energy: Us men over 40 deal with extra tiredness and blues from treatment, but moving around eases that load big time.
- Fits your level: No need to go all out 150 to 300 minutes of easy-going stuff a week does the trick, per the pros.
- Big picture perks: Helps with weight, heart stuff, and even catching z’s better stuff we all wrestle with after 40.
- Make it yours: Talk to your doctor, but tweaking it to what feels right can make cancer recovery less of a grind and more like taking charge.
Why Getting Active Beats Sitting It Out When You’re Fighting Cancer
Imagine you’re slogging through chemo or radiation, feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck. Back in the day, docs might’ve said just chill and rest. But fast-forward to now, and everyone’s buzzing about how exercise as a part of recovery is basically medicine in motion. It hits the spots cancer messes with most for men over 40 like keeping your strength up, dodging extra pounds, and clearing that mental fog.
I’ve talked to trainers who work with cancer guys, and they’ve seen it firsthand: Sitting too much lets muscle slip away, and that can make everything tougher. But check this a fresh trial from Memorial Sloan Kettering says exercise might even tweak how cancer acts in your body. For us older dudes, that’s gold. A buddy of mine, 48 with prostate issues, swore his light lifts and walks cut his fatigue in half during hormone therapy. Stories like that? They keep me motivated to share this.
And the proof’s piling up. The AACR dropped info this June showing activity stretches survival odds and dials back side effects across cancers. Less puking, better shut-eye, and a mood boost that trumps coffee on a rough morning.
What the Latest Research Says for Guys Like Us
For men over 40, our bodies change slower bounce-back, maybe a bit less pep. But the American Cancer Society’s 2025 update? They say shoot for 150-300 minutes moderate or 75-150 vigorous activity weekly, plus some muscle work. Why bother? It fights the exhaustion that nails 7 out of 10 cancer fighters.
Prostate cancer hits us hard exercise counters those therapy side effects like weak bones or hot flashes. Colon? That NEJM study from June found exercise post-surgery dropped death risks and new cancers. Overall, it revs your immune system, cools inflammation, and might even slow tumor growth, per experts.
On the head side, depression sneaks up during cancer recovery, but a stroll or bike ride can shove it aside. A review this year hammered home how this stuff speeds healing after ops and shortens hospital time for older patients. If you’re chasing that dad bod balance, adding movement keeps you solid.
Simple Moves to Get You Started Safely
No BS safety’s key. Run it by your doc or a specialist first. For most men over 40 working through cancer, ease in gentle.
Heart-Pumping Stuff to Keep You Going
These build stamina without wrecking you. ACS pushes brisk walks 30 minutes a day if you can. Easy on the knees, fights tiredness, slots into dad duties. Up for more? Jog or bike, but tune in to how you feel. Swimming’s killer gentle, works everything, cools you off.
My hack: Jot it down in a notebook. Seeing those checkmarks? Fires you up.
Building Strength to Hold Onto Muscle
Crucial for us cancer and age team up to steal muscle. Grab light weights or bands a couple times a week for squats, pulls, pushes. Focus on doing it right to skip tweaks. ASCO’s latest backs this for better function in survivors.
Add balance bits, like one-leg stands, to dodge slips post-treatment.
Chill Practices for Body and Mind
Yoga or tai chi? Don’t knock . They loosen you up, ease aches, settle your thoughts. Recent write-ups say they cut worry in cancer folks our age. Perfect if the gym scene’s not your jam.
Sticking With It Through the Tough Spots
Building habits takes time, especially working through cancer. Kick off with 10-minute chunks if that’s your max steady wins over flashy. Switch it up: Walk one day, weights another, stretch the next.
Eat smart alongside load up on protein for fixes, like we cover here. Supplements? Fish oil or D might help, but clear it first.
Roadblocks: Tiredness tops the list. Hit it when you’re up, say mornings. Team up with a group survivor classes build bonds. Bumps happen; shake off and roll on.
FAQs
Is it okay to work out while in treatment?
For sure, mostly tweak for how you’re feeling. New guidelines green-light it, with walks helping brain fog.
Best moves for prostate recovery past 40?
Weights rule rebuilds what hormones zap. Toss in floor squeezes too.
When’s too much?
Your body calls it. Stick to 150 minutes moderate; push harder and fatigue might bite back.
Does it really stop cancer from returning?
Evidence says yeah up to 40% drop for some types, but pair it with other stuff.
Where to grab tailored plans?
ACS site or apps like Moving Through Cancer. YMCAs run groups often.
References
- New England Journal of Medicine. (2025). Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer.
- AACR Blog. (2025). What Are the Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients?
- American Cancer Society. (2025). Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2025). A New Cancer Therapy: Exercise
- Zero Cancer. Exercise, Physical Activity & Prostate Cancer.
- PMC. Physical Activity and Cancer Care—A Review.
- Journal of Clinical Oncology. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment.
- Consultant360. The Role of Exercise for Patients With Cancer.
- MD Anderson. Exercise during cancer treatment: 4 things to know.
- American Cancer Society. Physical Activity and the Person with Cancer.
That’s the wrap, fellas. Working through cancer with exercise as a part of recovery ain’t a walk in the park, but it pays off. Drop your thoughts below let’s swap tips. Keep pushing, Dad Bod 40 way.
